The Perils of Darkest Africa: Cassidy For Hire, #1

By Jess T. Bryan

Sam Cassidy was a hired gun who hailed from Galveston, Texas. The jobs he accepted took him and his long-time friend and partner, Chen Tao, to many different places. The duo thought theyd seen just about every form of countryside the West had to offer. After completing a job and returning home, the partners thought they had some time to rest and relax. A British lieutenant by the name of Peter Sullivan would change their plans. Hired with the impression theyd be helping to secure the safety of a military encampment from attacking natives, Sam and Chen soon find themselves forced to try to survive the most dangerous adventure of their lives in the deepest, darkest jungle of Africa.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Outlaws Publishing LLC
• Release date: Sep 24, 2024
• ISBN: 9798227540874

Jess T. Bryan

Timothy B. England is an American Western fiction author. He grew up in a small rural town in Tennessee and spent much of his early life helping on his family farm. He graduated from Fairview High School. Having a lifelong love for Westerns –movies, novels, and TV shows — he started writing his Western novels about fifteen years ago. Since then, he has written several stories under his pen name, Jess T. Bryan. He currently resides in Tennessee with his wife and children.

Book preview

Chapter 1

The Arizona Territory July 26, 1890

It had been another hard day riding over the dramatic terrain. Going on the incredibly diverse and massive rock outcroppings, Sam and his best friend, Chen Tao, had reached their destination. They pulled back on their reins, causing their mounts to come to a halt, then stepped down from their horses. Sam reached into his saddlebag and pulled out his solid brass with bronze finish army binoculars. Their horses nibbled along the jagged stems of weeds.

The men hunched down, trying to avoid being spotted. Sam and Chen took turns looking out. Conveniently, right below the overhanging rock, was the way station. They watched as the Wells Fargo Overland Stage came to a stop. Dust began to spring up, filling the air. They continued to look as stage passengers stepped down.

One passenger among the first to withdraw from the coach was the overbearing cattle boss, Joshua Tate. He was tall, muscular, and craggy-faced. And, when he talked, it was always harsh. Tate began with nothing, but soon gained popularity by stealing people's land in the high hope of turning his ranch into a vast empire. He practically owned the territory. His spread reached fifteen miles to the border. It involved 1,050 acres of diverse ground.

Sam removed the binoculars from his eyes. He and his friend slowly rose above the crown of the red stone overhang. Tate wasn't alone, either. Chen heard what seemed like a girl's voice echoing.

Sam, you better look at this, he stated.

Sam turned and moved back to the overhang, pressing the binoculars back to his eyes. He discovered two kids standing with Tate. Adjacent to him was his stepson, Seth Ward; he couldn’t have been no older than fourteen. And then there was Rosanna Tate, his nine and a half year-old daughter.

You folks might as well stretch your legs because we got fifteen minutes. Afterward, we're pulling out, said T.J. Mooney.

The stage driver watched each one of them stepping off the stage. Seth tripped and fell forward, pushing Joshua, who, in turn, backhanded the boy right across his face. The shock caused him to drop to the ground.

You clumsy, insolent fool! I'll teach you! Joshua snarled.

Seth slowly backed up. Joshua shoved him hard onto the ground, then walked over to the driver's seat and pulled out the black braided horse quirt. Accompanying Tate were a couple of cowpokes.

I'm sorry, Stepfather. I didn't mean it. I won't ever do it again! Just do-don't, the boy’s pleading was cut short as the quirt made contact with his skin.

AAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHH!" exclaimed Seth.

Cowpokes seized the boy before he had a chance to run off. Joshua came forth with the horse quirt and went on to give young Seth an old-fashioned beating. He left cut marks on the boys' arms and face.

The passengers looked on in horror, but, sadly, nobody stepped in. They chose to turn away as though it never occurred.

Looking at the entire scenario as it played out through his binoculars, Sam caught the incident.

Oh, what he had to go and do that for? he asked.

He bent his head toward Chen, who gave an expression of dismay. They sprang up and returned to their horses. Sam put the binoculars back into his saddlebag.

I don't like this, said Chen.

What's there not to like? The price has gone up another hundred dollars. And, by this evening, each of us will have $15,000 to do with what we want. Can't get any simpler than that. Trust me, Chen. Have I ever let you down? Sam said.

Fifteen? Since when? asked Tao.

Since now, Sam answered his partner.

Not a bad way to spend the afternoon, he thought.

Chen only sighed, then lightly kicked his horse to move forward.

Riding, they came to a rocky slope hillside. It was thirty-two hundred feet to the valley floor below. They hoped they didn't draw attention.

The boy was used to the beatings and bore the marks to show it. Rosanna closed her eyes, causing her to drop her doll, which landed on the ground. She began shouting, hoping the beating would soon end.

Coming from the other side of the stage was T.J. Mooney.

Hey there, what do you think you're doing? he asked, stepping forward to intervene.

Only two of Joshua's men stepped forward and drew his pistol. Joshua whipped the boy once more with the horse quirt. Seth sobbed, but he tried to refrain from flinching.

Dadgummit! Mr. Tate, do you have to pick on your stepson, too? It's hard enough as it is, you owning half the territory, said T.J.

One of Joshua's men floored him with a sucker punch, and then he nutted him while he lay panting for breath. Joshua rolled his hands at his men, who then holstered their pistols.

Coming to stand over Mooney, Tate had an imposing size and a perpetual scowl. He spoke while staring right at him.

This boy, this gutter pup, has been nothing but trouble ever since I set eyes on him. Furthermore, if I want your opinion, Mr. Mooney, I'll buy it! he said with a snarling voice.

Joshua, with his all-around evil demeanor, walked on attended by his men. T.J. got to his feet, moved over, and assisted the boy. Seth got to his feet on his own. Walking, he kept his head downwards. Tears of his innocence filled his heart. T.J. sighed and shook his head.

My, aren't we hospitable? said Mrs. Corwin, a woman passenger who was pregnant. She was returning from Fort Huachuca.

Yes, ma'am. Somebody should look out for the innocent. A lot of good it did, though. It didn't seem like I was much help. Ever since Mr. Tate came west, he's been buying up property left and right. Just about everything from the cactus to the border.

Mr. Mooney, I am quite aware of Mr. Tate and I really don't require a history lesson, said the snobbish woman.

Excuse me, Mrs. Corwin. I didn't know pregnancy was an excuse for rudeness, said T.J.

Mrs. Corwin rolled her eyes. Mooney put his hat back on his head and ran to join up with Jethro down by the corral.

Grunt, an ornery, whiskered, toothless, old codger ran the station.

Well, yawl coming in or not? Got no time for doodlers, he said.

By the sound of his voice, he was not friendly. The passengers followed Grunt inside. Everyone was looking forward to getting a bite to eat and resting their aching backsides before continuing to Restless.

Jethro and T.J. were too busy to notice Sam and Chen. They backed down from their horses and wrapped the reins around the cedar hitching rail. Chen spotted something on the ground. He walked over to the object, stooped down and recovered the doll that Rosanna had dropped.

This isn't what I signed on for, he stated.

While holding the child’s doll, they marched to the station just as the stage passengers were nearly done eating. Grunt was almost done tidying up the place when he noticed Sam and Chen standing in the doorway. He swallowed hard. The two men glanced around the room for the man they’d been hired to kill. Grunt only prayed it wasn't him.

Mr. Tate. Mr. Joshua Tate? Sam walked in closer to the crowd.

Most of the passengers were dead quiet. Not a sound was made. Grunt's desires were not to rile Sam or Chen as he stood standing, mouth agape.

I came to collect, Mr. Tate, said Sam.

The passengers broke their trance and hurried away from the table bench, scattering away from Tate.

Chen stood ready. Joshua's men tried to intervene, but they were no match against either of them. Tao shot two arrows from his wrist-mounted crossbow, striking one of the men in the arm, making him drop his gun. Sam went for his pistol and outdrew them, shooting their weapons out of their hands.

Now, now, there must be a mistake, said Joshua.

Sam started heading toward Tate. Joshua slowly backed away from him, dropping his gun to the floor.

Mr. Cassidy, you look like a reasonable man. What do I have that would make a man of your fine intelligence not want to kill me? He cattle baron had started to shake. Perspiration formed on his face. I don't know how much Callahan is paying you, but I'll double it if you spare me.

Sam stopped only inches from him.

How 'bout the boy? You gonna pay him off, too, or just beat him up some more? asked Cassidy.

The passengers who knew of Sam's reputation were scared out of their wits. Chen walked over to Rosanna and presented her with her baby doll. She took it, clutching it tightly to her chest.

Chen went back to lean up against the door frame. Sam twirled his gun into his holster, then removed his gun belt and tossed it to his friend.

Tate, I'm gonna give you a whuppin' that you'll never forget! he announced.

He tightened his fist and gave an effective punch. A primary clock across the face, causing Tate to go down hard on the floor.

That's for the boy, Sam said, as he punched Tate again.

Joshua's body flipped over the table. Sam tossed chairs away, trying to go to him. Tate attempted to defend himself, but he was no fighter.

Chapter 2

It was Cassidy who came away as the winner. After witnessing Sam beating Tate, the kids stood in front while trying to protect him. Joshua rolled over on the floor with blood on his lips. The kids were attempting to help him up onto his feet.

Please, mister, don't kill my daddy! Rosanna cried.

She was trying to save her father from Sam. Even though Seth got beatings from his stepfather, he, too, stood over him, but he was attempting to shield his half-sister.

Sam reached down and picked up a stool and slammed it against the wall, then crouched down and took a bit of the leg. With it in hand, he started for Tate again.

Come on! Get up! Cassidy yelled, clutching the table leg.

Don't, mister, please! Seth said.

The was pleading with the man not to kill his stepfather. Chen couldn't stand aside and let Sam do it. Sam lifted the table leg and was about to hit Joshua with it. Chen stopped him by grabbing his hand, shaking his head no. Sam was coming out of his madness. He was startled. He looked down only to take in the kids' eyes filled with regret. Chen released his hold.

After a few minutes, Sam flung the broken table leg to the floor.

Your kids just saved your hide, he said.

Joshua turned his head, beginning to realize how lucky he was. His kids, still trying to console him, wanted to help him up. Joshua placed his arms around them as they helped him to a chair where he could sit.

Don't you ever lay your hand on the boy again. I think you received some land deeds that needed to be delivered to their lawful owners. And, mister, I catch wind you're harming these children again, I'll come back and kill you, Sam said.

He turned and started toward the door. Chen went over to remove the arrows out of the man's arm. Grunt stepped back against the wall. Sam looked over while passing him.

Jethro and T.J. were coming in to let everyone know they were set to leave. They had replaced the team with new mounts. Out of nowhere, a rifle was pushed into their faces, demanding they drop their guns.

Looking around, T.J. discovered they were outnumbered. It seemed to be a hold-up by the Fargo gang. John and Charley Fargo motioned Jethro and T.J. to move toward them. Jethro wasn't moving fast enough to suit Charley, so he slugged him with the butt of his rifle. Jethro fell face down into the soil with a bleeding head. T.J. attempted to help his friend up, but wound up getting the same treatment. They both lay on the ground, hurting and bleeding, but at least they were still alive.

Sam felt something was wrong out in the yard. He motioned for Chen to look outside. Tao noticed six horses. He turned to Sam, giving him a signal that there was trouble. Sam nodded at Chen, who kicked the door with his boot, causing it to slam shut.

I want everybody down on the floor now! he yelled.

The passengers did as they were told, thinking that these two were there to rob them. They had no idea it was for their protection.

Chen, have a look, said Sam.

The Fargo gang was scattered all over in the yard to keep them from riding out. Chen hunched down beside the wall and peeked out the window. He then whistled to Sam, holding up six fingers. Sam breathed a heavy sigh. He knew who they were and who they were after. He looked around to see where Joshua Tate was sitting, then rushed over to him.

This is your last chance to make a change, he told the man.

Rifle shots rang out as the station came under fire. Women and children were shouting while the other passengers sought to comfort each other. Chen hunched down, trying to reach out to Sam without being shot. Cassidy sent him toward the back door of the station.

Mr. Callahan sends his regards, Cassidy! the voice of Hank Fargo roared. We got you right where we want you. You and that chink-a-billy!

Hank, everyone is entitled to be stupid, but you abuse the privilege! Sam called back. He took out his double action .45 Colt and busted out a window.

I want nothing from you, Cassidy, but breathing, and very little of that! John, Alvin and Theo, go on around back. See if they don't slip out, said Hank.

Yeah, boss! answered Ross.

The rest of you boys will remain with me. We'll handle Cassidy and that chinkanese,

Let's go men! Ross stated.

Rifles were still pouring lead into the way station as the